3. Musical listening skills are a gift

Many musicians are put off ear training because they feel they lack a natural ability which other musicians seem to have, and so they think ear training will be difficult and perhaps even pointless.

This is nonsense.

While some musicians do start out with a stronger natural ability in musical listening skills, everybody is capable of developing their musical ear to a significant degree. All that is required is careful planning and consistent dedicated practice.

4. Ear training is for advanced musicians only

Some music teachers and students will treat ear training as an advanced or specialist skill, which only the highest-achieving musicians need concern themselves with.

In fact, ear training should be a part of music learning from the very beginning. It is, arguably, the most fundamental musical skill: to listen and understand. Before ever putting your fingers on an instrument, you can benefit from ear training, and every musician at every level can improve their musicality with dedicated ear training practice.

5. Ear training is just for exams

Although many musicians first encounter ear training as part of their “aural skills” preparation for instrument exams, the fact is that ear training should be a part of your lifelong music learning. You can and should continue to work on your listening skills throughout your music career.

6. Ear training is for classical music only

The listening skills developed through ear training are relevant across every genre and era of music.

While a lot of the traditional methods and material for ear training are rooted in the world of classical music, this is something that’s true of every aspect of music!

7. Ear training is something you do in a classroom

These days education is moving more and more towards self-guided study, learning online, and peer-to-peer learning. You can improve your ears without ever setting foot in a classroom, using the wide world of resources and courses available online.

Ear training is no longer confined to a quiet, formal setting. Musicians are using ear training exercises and apps to train whenever and wherever is convenient to them. In fact, the added challenge of practising in a noisy or distracting environment can actually help you develop robust and reliable musical skills!